Books

Not much is known about the acclaimed Italian novelist besides her pen name and her books. But she sat for a recent interview — conducted in writing, with her publisher as intermediary.

Tony Abbott reportedly overruled a panel judging Australia's top fiction award, picking Richard Flanagan to share the prize. And one judge — famed poet Les Murray — isn't happy.

The BBC has TV adaptations in the works for The Silkworm and The Cuckoo's Calling, both written under Rowling's pen name, Robert Galbraith. Also: BookCon steps up its focus on writers of color.

Apple goes before an appeals court in a battle expected to help clarify the legal line between business agreements and outright collusion. Also: Hilary Mantel denounces her critics' "froth and bile."

With a final $437,000 push, his plan to donate $1 million of his own money to support independent booksellers is complete. Also: Judy Blume is set to publish her first adult novel in 15 years.

A long-awaited review of public libraries in the U.K. calls for them to expand digital services and offer a "retail-standard environment" akin to coffee shops.

The publisher makes peace with Amazon — and takes the opportunity to vent some frustration. Also: Paulo Coelho offers to buy The Interview off Sony.

The Game of Thrones author has blasted the studio for canceling its release of The Interview, offering to screen the film himself at his own movie theater.

A new study finds that people who read print books at bedtime fall asleep easier — and sleep better — than those who use an e-reader. Also: JRR Tolkien may have survived war due to a timely illness.

North Carolina named Shelby Stephenson its new poet laureate, just days after Ohio established a post for its own state poet. Massachusetts may not be too far behind.